Reproduction Cattle/Sheep Services

When it comes to reproduction cattle/sheep services, the farm vets at VetEnt are experts. Current reproduction in cattle and sheep is monitored; poor reproductive performance is identified; a management plan is created to improve reproductive performance in the future.

Cattle reproduction – beef herd

Cows

For reproduction in cattle, the following parameters are monitored:

Body condition scoring

Pregnancy diagnosis:

ultrasound scanning & foetal ageing

manual palpation

Specific health tests:

magnesium

trace elements

BVD, Campylobacteriosis & Johnes disease

Bulls

When it comes to bulls and cattle reproduction, breeding soundness is examined.

Identification of sire, age and breed

Physical examination including internal genitalia

Measurement of scrotal circumference

Observation of mating - service test

Semen collection & evaluation

Specific health tests:

BVD, Trichomoniasis, Campylobacteriosis & Johnes disease

Economic impact

Having light conditioned cows in beef herds at calving time is the most common cause of poor reproductive performance during the following mating. The impact has been shown to cost an 18% drop in conception rate, 5% less calf survival, a month difference in age at weaning and 45 kg lower calf weight at weaning equating to $146 lost income per cow mated.

Rams

Breeding soundness examination:

annual ram palpation

blood testing - Brucella ovis

semen test & evaluation

Ram vasectomy for teasers

Economic impact

The most common finding from lamb autopsies (done on normal-looking newborn dead lambs) over lambing is that most lambs are born alive and walk around, but only a few have milk in their stomach. The lamb starvation syndrome is strongly linked to the body condition score of the ewe when she lambs.

Farms which have subsequently focussed on improving the condition score status of the ewe flock at lambing have reduced lamb wastage up to 10%, worth $17.00 per ewe mated (lamb at $100 in flock scanning 170%).

Contact your nearest VetEnt clinic to learn more about the reproductive cattle and sheep services offered.

Make an Appointment

For emergencies or urgent appointments within the next 24 hours, please phone the clinic directly.